by Isaac Asimov
First published 1985
This anthology opens with William Tenn's tale of a mother hiding her magical nature, then plunges readers into worlds where witches manipulate space and time on the planet Karres. Mazirian the magician pursues arcane knowledge while monsters stalk through ancient lands. Warriors face the People of the Black Circle in Robert Howard's brutal fantasy realm. Wizards cast spells in Andre Norton's mystical domains as seekers hunt for power in fortress strongholds. The collection spans from contemporary witchcraft stories to sword and sorcery epics, from space fantasy adventures to tales of magical realism. Each story explores the tension between ordinary people and extraordinary forces, whether they're children discovering their powers or adults confronting supernatural threats. Asimov's editorial selections reveal how fantasy literature bridges the gap between the mundane and the miraculous, showing characters who must choose between safety and magic, between hiding their true nature and embracing dangerous gifts.
Genres: short-stories, science-fiction, fantasy
Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: chosen-one, found-family
Setting: Karres, Black Circle
649 pages · Hardcover · Bonanza